About
The Environmental Studies Program at the University of Kansas, established in 1971, is one of the oldest environmental studies programs in the country. It is an interdisciplinary program, with faculty from professional schools, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
The program provides students with the tools they need to investigate environmental phenomena, including soil sampling and freshwater ecology to policy-making and social science. Environmental Studies students learn how to put together what other disciplines take apart.
Student Portal
Environmental Studies features a pedagogy focused on engaged learning. In addition to our vibrant undergraduate curriculum, students are encouraged to participate in the many exciting experiential opportunities that KU offers – Study Abroad, Research, Projects, and Internships.
Environmental Studies provides the tools to immediately involve our students in the intellectual life of the university and to connect them to environmental projects within our surrounding communities. These experiences enhance the success of our students along their path to graduation and successful careers.
Educating Leaders
Our interdisciplinary education prepares students for lifelong learning, leadership, and success. Our undergraduate curriculum includes courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. For ideas of what Environmental Studies students do after they graduate, view our Career Resources.
Building Healthy Communities
We encourage students to enhance the prosperity and well-being of communities in Kansas and beyond. Environmental Studies students have worked in the Lawrence and Kansas City communities and in places as far ranging as Brazil, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, India, and Uganda. For ideas of what Environmental Studies students do to engage their communities, view our Projects or Internships.
Making Discoveries that will Change the World
We offer a wide array of undergraduate research opportunities. Students work with a faculty mentor, who guides the research process, and develop deep new insights around a research topic that interests them. For ideas of what Environmental Studies students research, view our Learning Pathways or Research.
Academic Collaboration
Faculty from across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professional schools teach and do research in Environmental Studies. Faculty associated with our program come primarily from the following units:
- Anthropology
- Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
- Economics
- English
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Latin American Studies
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Urban Planning
In addition to these departments, Environmental Studies often collaborates with other academic centers across campus: